In which we explore ways to expand the space between work and sleep ...

Starting Afresh

The new year often makes me think about what I haven't done - much more so than what I've accomplished in the last 12 months. That said, I'm much more forward thinking this January than in the past. Perhaps it's because I've had time to actually think and do since leaving my job in June. And, while I've been an erratic blogger (at best), I'd like to try and be a bit more focused and deliberate here, with an eye toward documenting my fiber and textile work. Hopefully, this will help me organize what I'm doing a bit more and, with it being public, help keep me motivated and on track.

A group of friends started talking about fiber goals for the year and I managed to come up with a few dead simple ones. I think they're good, in line with what I *need* to do, and while not easily achievable, certainly possible.

1. Decrease the stash. Nothing comes in until what I have is sorted and deemed "stay" or "go". I've not renewed any of my clubs (how I will miss the sock patterns!) and I'm absolutely dedicated to getting a handle on what I have. There's plenty there to keep me busy and to push me to be creative. No problem!

2. Weave fabric for, and sew a garment. Not handspun in any way; rather, this is an exploratory effort to understand garment fabric and construction. A simple kimono-style jacket, in cotton, is exactly what I both want and need. Again, there's plenty in stash to do this, and even embellish a bit if I so chose.

3. Define and embark on a fiber/color study plan. I've spent a good chunk of time trying to understand just what it is about this craft that fascinates me so. And, unsurprisingly, I had a flash of insight whilst on a run. That inspiration gave me the thought of starting an exercise in fiber/color interplay focusing on the interaction between content and medium. Blending of fiber types and studying how they accept color and then behave in pieces is what I'm after. The next step is to work on a study plan to define specific experiments and projects. Fortunately, I'll have some time with a friend/mentor at the end of the month and I'm hoping she'll be willing to give some guidance.

So, that's it. It's rather a lot, really, but I'm excited about all of it. In between, there's getting ready for Art Fair in the fall (it's only 28 weeks away) and getting back into a routine of running and exercise. It's time to embrace fully this new life I've chosen. I played at it for a while, but it can be, and is, wholly satisfying. It's a year of good fortune and thanks. Let's begin!